Learning Center
Ticks
Ticks in Iowa
Iowa is home to more than a dozen tick species, but three account for nearly all human encounters and health concerns in the state. Unlike most household pests, ticks are a genuine disease risk — knowing which species you're dealing with and what it can transmit matters more here than with almost any other backyard pest.
Common Ticks in Iowa
High risk
Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick)
Habitat: Wooded, brushy areas
Size: Adults 3–5mm; nymphs poppy-seed sized
Carries: Lyme disease
Moderate risk
American Dog Tick
Habitat: Fields, grassy areas
Size: Larger, oval, reddish-brown
Carries: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia
Moderate risk
Lone Star Tick
Habitat: Not host-specific; aggressive biter
Size: Round body; females have a single tan spot
Carries: Ehrlichiosis
Where Ticks Are Waiting
Tick Season in Iowa
Ticks are active anytime temperatures rise above roughly 50°F, which in Iowa means a season that runs longer than most people expect.
MarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Active season
Peak activity (Apr–Jun)
Tick-Borne Illnesses to Know
Lyme disease
The most common tick-borne illness in Iowa, spread by the blacklegged tick. Cases have risen significantly in recent years, particularly in northeast Iowa. Often starts with a rash and flu-like symptoms; untreated cases can lead to joint and neurological complications.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever & tularemia
Transmitted by the American dog tick. Less common than Lyme disease but can be serious without prompt treatment.
Ehrlichiosis
Linked to the lone star tick. Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle aches, usually appearing within one to two weeks of a bite.
Found a Tick? Here's What to Do
1
Remove it right away
Grasp the tick with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible, and pull straight up with steady, even pressure.
2
Clean the area
Wash the bite site and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
3
Watch for symptoms
Monitor for a rash, fever, fatigue, or joint pain over the following weeks, and see a doctor if any appear.
4
Note the date and save the tick if unsure
Iowa State University's Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic offers tick identification if you're not sure what species bit you.
Your Questions About Ticks Answered
How long does a tick need to be attached to spread Lyme disease?
Generally 48 to 72 hours or more of attachment, according to Iowa State University Extension. That's why prompt removal and regular tick checks after time outdoors make a real difference.
Do all Iowa ticks carry Lyme disease?
No — only the blacklegged tick (deer tick) is a known carrier of Lyme disease in Iowa. The American dog tick and lone star tick can transmit other illnesses, but not Lyme.
When is tick season in Iowa?
Ticks can be active from March through November whenever temperatures rise above about 50°F, with peak activity typically in April, May, and June.
Can ticks be a problem in my yard, or only in wooded areas?
Both. Wooded and brushy areas carry the highest risk, but tall grass, leaf litter, and shrubs at the edge of a lawn can also harbor ticks — especially where deer or other wildlife pass through.
How does professional tick control work?
Treatment typically targets the yard perimeter, tall grass, and brushy transition zones where ticks wait for a host, reducing the population before anyone in the household comes into contact with them.